Love Alaska?

The Wacky Winter Carnival That’s Oodles Of Fun For The Whole Family

Looking for fun this winter season? If you’re in the Anchorage area, then we have an event for you! A historic past-time for Alaskans, Fur Rondy is a fun Alaska winter carnival for the whole family! There are events every day that will delight the even the pickiest of family members.

Fur Rondy is a winter carnival tradition dating all the way back to 1935. That means this year they'll be celebrating 84 years of the Fur Rendezvous Festival!

The event is typically held over the course of almost two weeks, ending shortly after the start of the Iditarod. This year the event will be from February 22nd, through March 3rd. The Iditarod starts March 2nd.

Fur Rondy started as a small get together when the miners and trappers came into Anchorage when the city was home to barely 3,000 people. It was a fun way to get the citizens outside at the end of a long winter.

As an homage to the fact that the Fatbike was designed and originated here in Alaska, the Big Fat Ride is a fun race across Anchorage. Riders start in downtown Anchorage before heading out on a five-mile loop. At Westchester Lagoon, they warm up with a party and plenty of hot chocolate before finishing the loop on the Coastal Trail.

One of the largest and most anticipated events of Fur Rondy is the World Championship Sled Dog Races.

This event started in 1946 and boasts sled dog teams from all over Alaska and the world. This sprint race runs 75 miles over three days. This is one of the most looked forward to sled dog races in North America!

The Running of the Reindeer is a true highlight of Fur Rondy! Families come from all over to witness this spectacular race.

Often compared to a milder version of Pamplona's "Running of the Bulls," contestants join one of four races trying to outrun reindeer! Runners dress up in wild costumes in the cold weather, and try to stay out of the way of the reindeer!

Fur Rondy usually has spectacular fireworks on a Saturday of the carnival!

This fireworks show is one of the largest in Alaska! The large rockets used are easily seen all over downtown Anchorage and beyond. This is a true highlight of this Alaska winter carnival, and families gather together to witness this colorful show!